Being Similar and Different: Multiethnic-Racial Identity and Communication in Personal and Family Relationships

Sample

Anissa left her grandparents’ house disheartened. She loved her grandparents very much and, for the most part, enjoyed being around her father’s family. But not tonight. She was upset about something that happened, which, while not common, was also not isolated. That night, the family was gathered together after dinner in the living room sharing stories, laughing at each other, and having a good time. Anissa was talking with her cousins when she overheard a conversation between her Uncle Mark, Aunt Katy, and some other relatives. Katy was telling the story about how she accidently broke the lawnmower. When one of her relatives asked Mark if he was going to buy a new lawnmower or get it repaired, he replied jokingly, “What I do need a lawnmower for? Have you seen how many Mexicans live in our neighborhood now?” Anissa knew her Uncle Mark had a crude sense of humor but, for her, this crossed the line. There were enough people in the room to hear his comment and Anissa expected some type of reaction. She looked around and, although not everyone was laughing, no one said anything to her uncle or to her, for that matter.